Multiple source keypad channel entry system and method

Abstract

A system and method allows a television viewer to select a channel without having to pre-select the source of the television signal received. If a conflict occurs in that multiple sources such as a satellite system, high definition television (HDTV), or cable TV all utilize the desired channel, then the system informs the viewer on the television display of the conflict and prompts the viewer for the desired source for the selected channel.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A method for selecting from a choice of multiple signal sources transmitting programs utilizing same channel designator, comprising the steps of: 
       selecting a channel designator;  
       determining how many sources utilize the selected channel designator concurrently,  
       displaying a list of the signal sources utilizing the selected channel designator only if the signal sources utilizing the selected channel designator exceed one signal source in the determining step;  
       selecting the desired source from the list of signal sources; and  
       tuning automatically, to a program corresponding to the channel designator selected for the signal source selected.  
     
     
       2. A method for selecting from a choice of multiple signal sources transmitting programs utilizing same channel designator, comprising the steps of: 
       selecting a channel designator;  
       determining how many signal sources utilize the selected channel designator; and  
       if it is determined that there is only one signal source for the selected channel designator, immediately tuning to a program corresponding to the channel designator selected for the only signal source utilizing the selected channel designator.  
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the steps of: 
       setting a timeout period for the viewer to select a signal source once the list of signal sources has been displayed; and  
       tuning the television to a default signal source for the selected channel designator if a selection has not been made within the designated timeout period.  
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3  wherein the list of signal sources and channel information is obtained from an Electronic Program Guide (EPG). 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 4  wherein the signal sources include satellite signal source, high definition television (HDTV), and digital cable television. 
     
     
       6. A video system for allowing a viewer to select from a choice of multiple signal sources utilizing a single channel, said system comprising a microcomputer including CPU and memory means containing program data, said microcomputer coupled to means for selecting a channel wherein said microcomputer determining a number of signal sources which utilize the selected channel concurrently and displays a list of said signal sources if there is more than one and prompts the viewer to select from the displayed list of signal sources only if said signal sources utilizing the selected channel designator exceed one signal source and tunes the video system to the selected channel and to the signal source selected by the viewer. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 6  wherein the microcomputer sets a timeout period for the viewer to select a signal source once the list of signal sources has been displayed and tunes the television to a default signal source for the selected channel if the viewer has not made a selection within the designated timeout period. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 7  wherein the list of signal sources and channel information is obtained from an Electronic Program Guide (EPG). 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 8  wherein the sources include satellite signal source, high definition television (HDTV), and digital cable television.